25 Webcomics Artists Unite for LAUNCH PARTY

Every web comic artist begins their career working for nothing and no one. This is an incredibly good way to make art, but a terrible way to make a living. The entire idea for “web comics” came during a time when newspapers, the traditional employer of cartoonists, were in turmoil as they struggled to adapt to a digital business model. At the same time, media consumers, aided by the ease with which digital media is copied, became so comfortable with piracy as to disrupt entire industries. What’s more, consumers will pay for a physical object more readily than a digital one. As a result, many web comic artists have never been compensated for their work in the least.

David Daneman’s first anthology, Launch Party, came. He assembled 25 geniuses and offered them fair pay in exchange for the great work they’ve already done. Unsurprisingly, the idea was a big hit with the artists. What is a big surprise is how this has not been done a million times already.

The 80-page, full-color book features 75 strips by 25 different artists (full roster below) from all around the world. The Kickstarter campaign, which needs to raise $13,767 (i.e. sell 500 books) is at its halfway point and on track for successful completion. Daneman has produced two short films to promote the Launch Party ($20) campaign.